Face Serums To Add Into Your Skincare Routine

Seriously what's all the hype with serums, right? Which one should I use, I don't know which one to choose, how do I know I'm using the right serum? If this sound way too familiar you’re not alone, choosing the right serum can feel a little tricky at first when you’re introducing one into your skincare routine for the very first time.

When it comes to choosing a serum, it’s important to understand that different types of serums will target different skin conditions. So instead of talking about the ingredients, I wanted to give you a bigger picture on what serums do, recommendations on what serums best suit different skin concerns and some answers to FAQ.

What is a face serum?
Serums are formulated to target skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation and age or UV damage. Serums are a lightweight product that penetrate deeper into the layers of our skin, delivering concentrated levels of active ingredients.

Why should I use a face serum?
Serums are fast absorbing and contain powerful molecules of active ingredients that penetrate your skin unlike moisturisers that are designed to nourish and protect your outer dermal layers. Using a quality face serum ensures optimum effectiveness and you can typically expect to see visible results over a shorter period of time.

Which serum should I choose?
Here's my top picks for addressing certain skin concerns with our serums. You’ll notice that there are a few choices, and it may take a little tweaking before you find the perfect match for your skin.

Acne
Vitamin C Serum - morning
Retinol 1% Serum - night

Acne + Sensitivity
Willow Bark Serum - morning + night
Vitamin C Serum - morning
Retinol 0.5% Serum - night

Breakouts
Willow Bark Serum - morning + night
Vitamin C Serum - morning

Hyperpigmentation
AHA Illuminating Serum - morning + night
Retinol 0.5% or 1% Serum - night

Hyperpigmentation + Sensitivity
Willow Bark Serum - morning + night

Wrinkles + Fine Lines
Age Defence Serum - morning + night
Retinol 0.5% or 1% Serum - night
Vitamin C Serum - morning

Dull + Tired Skin
AHA Illuminating Serum - morning + night
Retinol 0.5% or 1% Serum - night
Vitamin C Serum – morning
Willow Bark Serum - morning + night

Redness + Sensitivity
Willow Bark Serum - morning + night
Age Defence Serum - morning + night

FAQs on Serums

Can I use more than one serum in my routine?
Absolutely! As there are a few serums that are best used in the morning like Vitamin C Serum and some that are formulated to be used at night like Retinol Serum incorporating a couple of serums is totally normal.

Can I just use one serum day and night?
For sure, a perfect serum would be our Age Defence Serum or Willow Bark BHA Serum but there is one exception of course and that is our Retinol Serum which should only be used every second night.

Can I layer different serums on top of each other?
No, we don't recommend this as each serum contains a high level of active ingredients which, when mixed together may cause your skin barrier to be compromised.  This can leave your skin vulnerable to developing sensitivities or worse, reactions. There's also the risk of mixing ingredients that don't play nicely together like BHA's and Retinols.

Can I replace my moisturiser with a serum?
We don't recommend replacing your moisturiser with a serum as both are designed for different purposes - serums are formulated to penetrate deeper into the skin delivering active ingredients therefore don't contain enough emollients to effectively moisturise and protect your skin like a moisturiser will.

Can I use the Retinol Serum, day and night?
Unfortunately no, overuse of Retinols can lead to sensitivities like redness, burning and peeling.  So please make sure to select an alternate serum to use when not using the Retinol Serum.

When do I use a serum in my routine?
Apply serum after your toner and before your moisturiser leaving a little time between each application - I like to pop on my eye cream before my serum and apply a lavish amount of lip balm after the serum but before my moisturiser. These are a few ideas to give your products a minute to absorb in before applying the next layer. 

What if I have more than one skin concern?
Great question and not an uncommon one, I would recommend working on the condition that concerns you the most and once you have that under control then it’s time to address the next concern. 

Whether you're already using a serum or feel that you're ready to add one into your skincare routine for the very first time, we hope that you're feeling more confident picking the perfect serum for you. So tell me, do you feel serum ready?